Free Software Foundation

Okay, I think we know that I'm all about the free software. Well, here is one site that lists a plethora of free software websites. Right now I am downloading the Alfresco community software. It's a document management package. There seem to be some reputable companies using them (PGA Tour and Saks Fifth Ave being a couple of them).

Of course, there is the free version and the paid version. The paid version gives you support, while on the community (free) version, you have video tutorials and documents to read. I don't mind doing the legwork and learning on my own, so community seems like it will be a good fit for me. Did I mention that it's free? :D

Here's the link if you would like to play with it:

Alfresco

That's all for now.

Keep Creating!

Jannina

Earn cash while shopping!

Okay, so this isn't a freebie. However, you can earn a % cashback for each purchase you make. I'm talking about eBates.com. The have many stores that they work with, in which most of us buy online from anyways. There is Amazon, Wal-Mart, KMart, Target, PetSmart, Best Buy, Michaels, Joann Fabrics, Groupon and Overstock.com to name a few.

If you are going to shop online, this one extra step will save you lots of money.

Keep Creating!

Jannina

Free 3D-Model Programs

I found a couple more free programs for you to use:

MakeHuman

Faceworx

I hope you enjoy playing around with them!

Keep Creating,

Jannina

Thanks and Scrivener!

Hello all,

Thank you to everyone who has given me the love and support I have needed during this difficult time. I felt it was time to continue to help more creative people. So, I found a coupon for Scrivener.

 

 

I absolutely love this program! It has made organization of my story lines, characterizations and locales a snap! Probably my favourite part is the corkboard. I am a visual person, so seeing my chapter summaries on one page helps me tremendously. It also helps me see the "holes" in the story.

Lest I forget, here's the coupon for 20% off Scrivener: WORDSWITHJAM

As of 03/20/2014, it was still available.

Here are some screenshots of the features from their website. I am giving my thoughts about each feature, however for more details, go to their site: Scrivener.

Corkboard

The corkboard utilizes virtual index cards in which you can add summaries to. The beautiful thing about it is, that if you move a card, then the document linked to it also moves. No more tedious copy/paste of large info blocks. You can colour-code and label, group documents, and stack cards.

Outliner

I use the outliner to organize my ideas. I love having the labels, modified date and word count. Of course, the colour-coding appeals to the visual artist in me. 

Scrivenings

This feature allows you to view the flow of your project. It allows you to scroll from section to section. This is a more detail-oriented way of editing for errors, flow, etc. It takes multiple documents and allows you to edit them as one.

Text Editing

When using this, you can highlight, change text colour, add bulletpoints, lists, etc. The best part is, you can create your document in the font you like, but export or print it in the font required by the publicists!

Tools for Writing Non-Fiction

There are all sorts of tools to use. From a non-fiction manuscript template, to a research proposal, a humanities essay, even a recipe collection template. You can do research online from within the program. 

Scriptwriting

The things I could have done easier in school, had I this scriptwriting tool. To be able to see the storyboard at the same time as you write the script? Heaven. *sigh*

Statistics and Targets

No more tedious counting or aimless guesses. You know exactly what you have.

Snapshots

Before making a major edit, take a snapshot and then move on. You will have a history of edits that you can go back to.

Full Screen - Evolved

With multiple options, you can customize your look and make it fullscreen so you won't be tempted to do something else when you are supposed to be writing.

Integration Between the Corkboard, Outliner and Editor

You can switch between views with a click or a combination key stroke. Very easy to move back and forth.

Collections

With collections, you can have running, colour-coded tabs along side of your main story. You can track drafts, characters and story lines.

Name Generator

Most of the time, we have the names of our protagonists. However, once you start adding secondary and tertiary characters, it can get tedious to come up with names. The name generator can help you with that.

Automatic Backups

The final feature I want to discuss is the auto-backup feature. I don't know about you, but once I get ensconced in a project, I suddenly lose track of time. It gives me peace of mind to know that the program is doing an auto-backup. If a storm suddenly pops up and causes your power to go out, there is the peace of knowing that there is a backup available.

Well, I hope this has given you some insight into one of my favourite programs. I know that I try to find as many free options as I can. While this does give you 30 days free trial, it will still cost you something. However, if you are serious about writing, this will give you an immense advantage in the organization of your work and multiple projects.

Keep Creating,

Jannina

Rest In Peace, Dad.

My father passed away in January 2014. I will miss him dearly. We created a fund in lieu of flowers. We raised $300.00:

My father, Juan Ortiz, spent his life in service of his country. First in the Marine Corps and then as an United States Diplomat. He was quiet, calm and witty. Although he didn't usually say much, when he did say something, it had great value. He loved the NY Giants, Mets and Knicks. Most of all, he loved God and his family.

He had a special place in his heart for children. He really liked St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. This is the mission statement from their website: "The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay."

As a family, we decided to set up a fund in lieu of flowers. When the fundraiser ends, we will make a donation in memory of him. 

Thank you to all of you who have sent us your prayers, good wishes, meals and help during this difficult time. We love you.

Nifty and Useful Freeware

I just came across this free program. It helps to make sure that no "tag-along" toolbars, search engines, etc. are downloaded when you download software online. Basically, it makes sure that all check boxes are unchecked when you are downloading your software. This means that if you want something, you are the only one allowing permission to download it. You can get it here:

unchecky

Hi, all!

The reason I have been away is that I am working on a rather large project that includes designing products and creating an informational blog page that mirrors the subject matter of each product. As I have very little free time, it's taking an enormous amount of energy and time to do. However, I have not forgotten you. I found a lovely site that can be used free to make forms. It can be surveys, inventory lists for ordering, etc. It is really user friendly and works well for a visual person like me. It feels intuitive to me. This is what the free site includes:

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Starter
FREE

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100
Monthly Submissions, 10 SSL Secure Submissions, 10 Receive Payments

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100 MB
Available Space

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1
Sub-user Account

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Unlimited
Forms, Reports
Fields per Form

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Even if you need more than what the free site provides, it is still a reasonably priced service. I know, I know... I have kept in suspense enough. Here's the link:  www.jotform.com 

Keep creating,

Jannina